I have the itch to add a traditional tube magazine lever to my "collection." I enjoy informal shooting and hunt most of what is available in the eastern & midwest states. The collection includes:
SINGLE SHOT
44 mag handirifle
308 handirifle
LEVER
308 savage 99
PUMP 760/7600
30-06
358
35 whelen
BOLT ACTION
30-06
223
I do reload for all these cartidges. If you were adding to this assortment, what lever gun and which cartridge would you select?
You need a good 45/70 . I would recommend a Marlin 1895 or Guide Gun. If you want to spend more money, then look at the late model Winchester 1886 or 1895 replicas.
You need a good 45/70 . I would recommend a Marlin 1895 or Guide Gun. If you want to spend more money, then look at the late model Winchester 1886 or 1895 replicas.
There ain't no two ways about it. You need a nice pre-1964
Model 94 Winchester. In 30/30 or 32 Special. They don't make
guns like that anymore and they aren't going to in the future.
Get one while they are still around.
I see you have a .358 and a .35 Whelen already. I'd suggest you round out your .35 collection with a Marlin 336C in .35 Remington. Packs more wallop than a .30/30, but far less recoil than a .45/70 with hot loads. The .30/30 is a fine old cartridge but if you already have a lever action .308, you may not appreciate it much.
You need a "fun gun". Pick up a Navy Arms or Hartford model Rossi 92 in .357. Good for plinking or deer. More powerful than you think. More fun than a .22. Cheap to feed. People will give you enough brass to keep it fed.
Gander Mountain prices are high. A new Marlin 444 or 35 Rem cost in that range used ones are between $300 - $400 range. With the 35 Rem being less than the 444.
You need at least 3. Model 92 in 44 mag, 22 lever make of your choice, and a 30 30 Winchester or Marlin. Winchester carries better, Marlin is easier for maintenance. beyond that it is a matter of taste.
I agree with Yellowhouse that you need a Marlin 39A in 22 LR. For a centerfire, there is nothing more "traditional" than a Winchester model 94 in 30-30, although personally I prefer a 32 special.
There have been many good suggestions here, but in the end it is up to you. Let us know what you decide, and of course, include pictures!
My opinions have been covered already. Do you want big, medium or small? No .22 mentioned, everyone needs a .22. Marlin, Henry,Winchester or Browning can fill that bill. Also no 30-30. Is that even legal? Marlin 336 would be my pick, but a 94 couldn't be a wrong choice either. For a big bore the 45-70 in a Marlin 1895. Style is up to you. Marlin now makes something for every taste in the 1895. If I had to pick one with your current line up it would be the .22 in either a Marlin 39 or a Henry in the oct. barrel version.
I notice a lot of .308 calibers. Since you reload maybe you want to have a caliber that would share bullets?
Marlin 336C 30-30 (.308) which has American walnut furniture.
Marlin .444 which would share bullets with your .44 mag. Also it is a nice big bore rifle well supported by Beartooth bullets.
They also have a Marlin 1894 in .44 mag.
Other than that if you just want the most fun shooting gun there is, the Marlin 1894C in .357 magnum. Cheap ammo, 400 fps faster than a revolver, super soft on the shoulder and more fun than should be allowed when shooting targets. Just get a good peep sight like the Williams FP, or a Skinner sight. And with Marshall's 185gr FPGC it's a serious deer rifle to about 100 yds.
I have to agree with the .357 in a model 92. Do some reading on the www.leverguns.com site about the 357 in a carbine, Paco Kelly and other writers there can explain much better than I.
I have to agree with the .357 in a model 92. Do some reading on the www.leverguns.com site about the 357 in a carbine, Paco Kelly and other writers there can explain much better than I.
Something to consider with the 357mag versions. Buffalo Bore sells their 357mag heavy ammo (158grn JHP) that they claim produces 2,153fps in an 18.5" Marlin 1894. That works out to be 1,626lb/ft of ME which is right up there with you basic 30-30 round's performance!!!!
I like John Browning designs, so suggest a 1886 Winchester in 45-70 or 45-90 as a one choice. Second would be a Winchester 1895 in 30-06 (.30 US Govt), 30-40 Krag (.30 US Army) or .405 Winchester. Third a 1892 what ever chambering tickles you. My one non JMB gun would a Marlin 1894 carbine in .44 or .357, however my choice is the .41!
Don't over look the shotguns in a lever gun either. Marlin and Winchester chambered for the .410 and then there is the Winchester 1887 in 12 or 10 ga.
I just installed a Williams 5D peep and replaced the rear sight with a Marble blank. An extra military reproduction sling and it's ready for the woods.
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